AQL explained: what acceptable quality levels mean for your order
Inspectors talk about AQL levels. What the numbers mean, and how to choose the right ones for your products.
- AQL sets how many defects are acceptable in an inspection sample.
- Defects are classed as critical, major or minor.
- Lower AQL numbers mean stricter inspection.
- Agree AQL levels with the supplier before production.
Inspectors cannot check every unit in a large order, so they check a sample. AQL, or acceptable quality level, is the standard way to decide how big the sample is and how many defects are allowed before the batch fails.
Defect types
| Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Critical | Unsafe or illegal | Sharp edges on a child's toy |
| Major | Affects use or saleability | Broken zip, wrong size |
| Minor | Small cosmetic issue | Loose thread |
How it works
Based on your order quantity and inspection level, standard tables give a sample size and the maximum number of defects allowed for each AQL level. Many buyers use stricter levels for major defects than for minor ones, and allow no critical defects at all.
Choosing levels
- Premium or safety-sensitive products: stricter levels
- Low-cost, simple products: more tolerance on minor defects
- Agree the levels in your contract and purchase order
Related: pre-shipment inspection and supplier contracts.
How Husbar can help
Husbar China Line sets inspection standards with suppliers and reviews inspection reports for Gulf brands. See Husbar China Line.
Frequently asked questions
What does AQL stand for?
Acceptable quality level.
Is a lower AQL number stricter?
Yes. A lower number allows fewer defects in the sample.
Should critical defects be allowed?
Most buyers allow none.